Paul's Prayer Continues (Philemon 6)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 11-15-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Paul’s prayer continued

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  Philemon  6

 

            Message of the verse:  “6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.”  (NAS95)  “You are generous because of your faith.  And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ.”  (NLT)

            Paul is praying that Philemon will share his life and faith in a powerful way, and will do it for the sake of Jesus Christ.  I believe that Paul is saying to Philemon that he is a generous man evidenced by having a church in his home, and now I want you to show more of this generosity by forgiving Onesimus for running away from him.  This is a difficult verse for me to understand because of the different words that are in different versions.  The word for sharing in the NKJV is translated fellowship in the NAS95 and communication in the KJV.  I want to copy the Strongs wording of this word:  “2842 koinwnia koinonia koy-nohn-ee'-ah AV-fellowship 12, communion 4, communication 1, distribution 1, contribution 1, to communicate 1; 20

1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse

1a) the share which one has in anything, participation

1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy

1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)

1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship”

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Paul is talking indirectly about forgiveness in this verse and he is also talking about doing the will of Jesus Christ.  Philemon would not be doing things necessarily for himself in this case, but would be thinking for Onesimus and also doing what the Lord wanted him to do in this case.  The word joy keeps coming into my mind and a meaning of it that I have heard:  Jesus first, others second, yourself last.  This is what the Lord keeps speaking to my heart about.  I know that if I am to make this attitude part of my character then I will need to have the Holy Spirit do a wonderful work in my life to transform me further into the image of Jesus Christ.

 

I would have to say that the Word of God has brought conviction to my life today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To listen to God’s Word and His Spirit as they guide me through this day.  To only fear the Lord and nothing else.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 11:33-36

 

Oh, the debt of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

 

For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has become His counselor?

 

Or who has given to Him

And it shall be repaid to him?

 

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.